The Hobby Horse Dance (harugoma odori) c. 1750

Editor: So, here we have Ishikawa Toyonobu's "The Hobby Horse Dance," a woodblock print from around 1750. It strikes me as joyous, like a snapshot of a lively celebration. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, "joyous" is a wonderful word for it. I'm drawn to the way Toyonobu captures movement and rhythm. Ukiyo-e prints often freeze a fleeting moment in time, like a stolen glance or a whispered secret. What do you notice about the women themselves? The way they're costumed, perhaps? Editor: Well, they’re all dressed quite similarly, with head coverings and patterned robes. Are they performers, do you think? Curator: Absolutely! And their clothing tells a story. The matching headscarves and robes could indicate they belong to a particular troupe or perhaps are participating in a festival, celebrating some community joy or success. You can almost hear the beat of that drum, can't you? Does that drum inspire some memory or reflection in you? Editor: I’m thinking of parades, of community, and the joy of performance. This is more than just a pretty print, isn't it? Curator: Exactly! It's a cultural touchstone. It reminds us that even centuries ago, people found solace and connection through shared artistic expression. Now, if you listen closely... What feelings remain with you? Editor: Definitely joy, but also a sense of connection, of shared history, that art provides. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Let's listen to these feelings together, with some shared stillness.